LPGA's L.A. Options
Reader Ha asked what my venue of choice would be for the LPGA in L.A. now that they will be returning. Amazingly, Carolyn Bivens has still not called, but just in case she's reading, I offer my recommendations.
I honestly believe each of these venues could work, assuming an improvements in maintenance and cooperation from their management (in the case of the public courses). Sure, that's a big if since I'm naming some notoriously difficult places to deal with. However, the LPGA has played at a number of private venues and upscale daily fees, with minimal fan interest while the Champions Tour drew well here when they played at Rancho. In other words, the daily fee golfers are your friends, CB. (That's assuming you want fans and volunteers).;)
13th hole bunker, captured yesterday (click to enlarge)Rustic Canyon - my obvious bias notwithstanding... Pros: parking at nearby Moorpark College, easy freeway access, interesting design with ground game emphasis, would look attractive on TV. Cons: attendance could be an issue in less populated area, though still within short distance of major population base, small clubhouse, management may not appreciate benefits of hosting LPGA.
Santa Anita - Pros: parking at Santa Anita race track next door and at large park nearby, great freeway access, fun/playable design that just needs a little sprucing up to become something truly special, solid population base nearby likely to be engaged (see Rose Parade), easy spectator walk; Cons: would not be visually dramatic on television, small clubhouse).;)
Santa Anita's 14th hole. Wild fairway contours would create challenge for the world's best female golfers. (Click to enlarge)
Griffith Park (composite course of Harding/Wilson) Pros: plenty of parking at LA Zoo with great freeway access; Cons: designs rundown, maintenance needs major work, clubhouse run down, horrible range, dealing with city of LA...okay it's a total mess but I can dream can't I?
Rancho Park Pros: only existing course on the planet to have hosted LPGA, PGA and Champions, quirky design great for spectating, unique location in city center; Cons: conditioning, traffic, lack of tent space, horrible range, dealing with city of LA.
Wilshire CC Pros: excellent venue that has hosted LA Opens and Champions Tour and will be unveiling new Kyle Phillips restoration/renovation of bunkers in 2010, newly renovated clubhouse, great location in city center and near heart of primary Korean population base; Cons: does membership want the hassle? Parking and traffic a pain.
Friday, February 13, 2009 at 04:38 PM
Reader Comments (12)
The LPGA could return to Oakmont Country Club in Glendale, or go to Brookside in Pasadena.
I guess it depends on which members want to host the tournament. The course does not have to be interesting or have lots of parking. For example, look at the course they play the Longs Challenge at.
None of the courses in Los Angeles need the publicity of hosting an LPGA event except the new Palmer course in Santa Clarita, Los Valles. (It may be on hold now)
I would love to see the LPGA at Virgina CC, Bel Air CC, Palos Verde GC.
Brookside would be great too. Obviously I'd like to see it go to a public course because I think you'll get more spectator interest than when they host at a country club.
Oakmont is going under the knife and will be out of commission for 2010 I believe, but might be available beyond that.
Another positive for Rustic would be that the players could only go every night to Cafe' Firenze, which may be the best Italian restaurant I've ever been too, but of course, The Derby near Santa Anita isn't bad either!
I think I better take that bet to Vegas ASAP!
Or they could eat at Lalo's. The best Mexican restaurant in the world.
Am not sure if the membership wanted to keep on losing the course for a couple weeks every year, though.
The players (most importantly, Annika) HATED Trump's gimmicky layout, and especially the crossover at the bottom of the hill on the changeover where they had to load onto carts, play two short holes, and get back on carts to get back out on the course...
Couple that with the crowd base that gets trapped near the clubhouse, and it was a logistical NIGHTMARE...
I think Geoff just might be onto something by suggesting Rustic....
Might I also humbly suggest North Ranch Country Club (27 holes) or Sherwood Country Club, venue to Tiger's Christmas Party and several other TV-friendly "shootouts"...
Malibu's layout isn't spectator friendly (too hilly to traverse easily), but I DO like the track....